I D ODBR GE O SO W C IE E T H Y T

Newsletter Spring 2016

A Thorough Mess In this Issue

Within living memory the Thoroughfare was 2 Charles Notcutt 1934-2015 a two-way street for all traffic including 3 Conserving the buses and lorries. It is now one-way with The Work of the River Deben time restrictions for traffic. However anyone Association making a dispassionate assessment of it Robin Whittle must think it a mess. 9 Woodbridge - a poem

Walking from the Crown to the Red Lion on a Sylvia Fairley typical day you may well pass about forty ‘A’ 9 Woodbridge Shakespeare 400 boards. Some only announce that a shop is Tim Cornford open. That level of street advertising is self- 10 Planning Matters defeating and obstructs pedestrians. Jane Brenner Couldn't shop keepers have a self-denying 11 New Street School ordinance and remove 'A' boards? The historical background

Bob Merrett The street surface is also a problem. Memories of New Street School Kerbstones and pavements are often uneven Amanda Davidson and broken - in large part caused by lorries. School Places in Woodbridge Large refuse lorries collect rubbish in the Pete Mumford middle of the night. Isn't it possible to 13 The Drums of the Fore and Aft rearrange collection and delivery points away Bob Merrett from the Thoroughfare so that lorries no 14 Economic Development in Woodbridge longer put stress on the street foundations?

Tim Cornford interviews Laura Hack Driving towards the narrow part of the street 15 Summer Visits for the Society from the Melton direction you are faced with Carol Wiseman

a confusing plethora of road signs. Future building developments mean that yet more Editorial Tim Cornford traffic will approach that junction. Is it Production Carol Wiseman unrealistic to hope for a fully pedestrianized Photography Anthony Mather (except where stated) Thoroughfare? Alan Vaughan

Charles Notcutt wrote in his appreciation of his father published in The Scotsman, "While he 1934 - 2015 travelled enthusiastically across the world to all continents, it was the Scottish Highlands which remained his true love and to which he annually returned .... He could be relied on to be in his Macpherson kilt at any significant occasion and was a lively Scottish dancer and lover of the bagpipes."

Charles' work at national level has been much celebrated: the Royal Horticultural Society, the Horticultural Trades Association, the Garden Centre Association, the International Dendrology Society, horticultural education and research, his OBE and much more.

Home, however, was Woodbridge and the town benefitted hugely from his energy, passion and charisma. Most recently this As members will know Charles Roger was manifested in his support for the Macpherson Notcutt, former town councillor, Whisstocks re-development. He was mayor and president of Notcutts Garden president of the town's Rotary Club, Centres, died on 1 July 2015. A service of founding chairman of the Abbeyfield Deben thanksgiving was held on 11 September in Extra Care Society, involved in the museum, St Mary's Church, which was packed to the rugby club and Otley College. He was a overflowing for the occasion. town councillor for six years and mayor in

2012-13. As his son also said, "He didn't

Charles' leadership of Notcutts reflected waste his time - he was always looking something of the significant social changes forward to the next item on the agenda”. that affected during the second half People talk about his infectious enthusiasm of the twentieth century. The business had and his enormous capacity for friendship. been created as a nursery, founded by his The Farmers' Club obituary called him a grandfather, Roger Notcutt, in 1897. He was "charming, intelligent, driven man." a vegetable grower and chrysanthemum Charming and driven are not often said of breeder. As the Daily Telegraph obituary the same person in the same sentence. "Dad observed, "As well as selling to the public, was simply a larger than life character," was Notcutts supplied large country houses with Andrew's summing up at the service. the plants and trees needed to stock their gardens .... As the great country estates declined, the business increasingly came from home owners with smaller gardens - beneficiaries of the post-war housing boom." The terminology 'garden centre' came into being and Notcutts was one of the first in England.

Much was said in the obituaries of Charles' Scottish roots. His mother (Jean Macpherson) was from Edinburgh and it was there that she returned after the untimely death of her husband. As his son Andrew Charles Notcutt as Mayor of Woodbridge 2

C onserving the River Deben The work of the River Deben Association Robin Whittle The River Deben has been at the heart of the growth of Woodbridge since the twelfth century when it started to flourish as a port. Ship building and trade were well established in Elizabethan times and Woodbridge reached its zenith of importance as a port by the 17th Century. The corn trade peaked at the beginning of the 19th Century and the wharves at Woodbridge and Melton were still busy with Thames barges into the 1920s. Coal and timber were discharged at these quays until 1940.

Since the Second World War the river has become increasingly used for recreation and as a sanctuary for wild-life. Woodbridge now supports many clubs (sailing, rowing, cruising, etc). Ramblers enjoy many footpaths in the area. Much of the estuary is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and protected under domestic, European and international legislation. It is also part of the Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (SC&H AONB).

Fig 1 The River Deben from

Debenham to

The River Deben Association (RDA),  To endeavour to influence the outcome of www.riverdeben.org, was founded in 1990 to disputes/differences of opinion in a way protect and conserve the character, beauty which will maximise the benefits to the and environment of the River Deben with river and its environs. the following objectives.  To establish working relationships with  To encourage proposals to safeguard the local authorities and other regulatory river and to support appropriate future bodies. developments.  To establish contact and foster co-  To resist proposals that could have a operation with river users and other detrimental impact on the river and its interested groups. environs. 3

Fig 2—Views of the Deben a) Ufford Bridge b) Fig 3—River wall strengthening 2014/15 RDA activities As co-founder of the Deben Estuary Partnership (DEP) the RDA has contributed much effort to creating The Deben Estuary Plan (April, 2015) - details at http:// www.debenestuarypartnership.co.uk. This extends the Environment Agency’s former process of only addressing flood management, and aims to set out not only how flood risk can be managed but also how the benefits, challenges and threats to the a) estuary and its hinterland relate to the sustainability of the wider area. It places importance on the interrelationship of land use and the marine environment and, as with the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy set out in the District Plan, seeks to address the needs of communities and the natural environment within the context of the estuary.

River wall defences Since the December 2013 floods the RDA has b) Creek supported the DEP coordination of enhancing the strength and protection of the river walls. The objectives of this are to:

 prevent breaching. This is the primary responsibility of the relevant land owners and Environment Agency;  ensure walls can survive over-topping;  reduce the gradient of the back side of the wall;  remove all trees, bushes and their roots. These cause the clay to dry out and crack; c) 4

 encourage the planting of strong grass. There is continual pressure from owners of This allows overtopping to occur without vessels to increase the number of moorings damaging the wall; on the river. If unchecked the river could  reinforce the path where it is frequently become an unsightly boat park similar to used by walkers; that of the River Hamble. The RDA is  encourage the growth of saltmarsh to help concerned about the growing congestion on defend the river walls against breaching. the river in the summer, largely caused by the increased size of moored vessels and the Support for Fairway Committees increase of the mud areas in the upper The river bed, up to Mean High Water, is reaches of the river above Methersgate. It is owned by The Crown Estate, so the ground considered important to: tackle for each mooring is laid on its  maintain adequate channel limits through property, for which a rent is charged. This the moorings; rent is administered through the Fairway  discourage any increase in the number of Committees. They are also responsible for moorings on the river; ensuring that there is a channel wide enough  discourage any decrease in the stretches of for the boat traffic to pass through the the river free of moorings. moorings. Recently The Crown Estate has issued a plan River Users’ Code of the river showing the area covered by each In 2014 the RDA, in partnership with the of the Fairway Committees - Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) and Ferry, Ramsholt, Waldringfield and Kyson. The Crown Estate, has published a leaflet, This plan shows the coordinates of those River User’s Code (see Figure 5), which has areas free of moorings. The Deben Estuary been distributed widely in both Suffolk and Plan will be updated to include this. Essex to remind river users:  to be aware of other river activities; One particular concern is the increase in  of the vulnerability of the saltmarshes; high energy wake caused by large motor  not to cause unnecessary disturbance to vessels travelling too fast. Figure 4 shows an others and the wildlife. example of this.

The leaflet also aims to establish stronger The wash from this causes damage to the links between Harbour Masters and the the edges of the saltmarsh and can cause danger River Authorities. to other river users.

Fig 4 Wash caused by large motor vessels 5

River Users Code

Fig 5—Side 1

Fig 5—Side 2 6

Restoration of saltmarshes  They absorb wave energy at times of flood

One important section of the Deben Estuary which helps defend the river walls against Plan emphasises the importance of restoring breaching.  They provide habitat for wild life. the saltmarshes along the banks of the river.

 They provide carbon sequestration. This Figure 6 shows some examples where erosion is the long term storage of carbon dioxide is taking place. The RDA supports the work which mitigates against dangerous to retain and enhance the saltmarshes. climate change. Fig 6 Saltmarsh erosion (2013/14) Fig 7 Wildlife

a) Loder’s Cut Island a) Flock of Waders and Avocets

b) b) Marsh Harrier

c) Crab Holes c) Seal 7

There is still much to learn about what ecosystem and as a recreational amenity;

causes the erosion of saltmarshes and the RDA is currently involved with two projects.  discourages activities which disturb the  Survey of Loder’s Cut Island: Monitoring wildlife and/or others involved in different the saltmarsh and taking measurements activities. at six-monthly intervals at twelve posts placed around the perimeter. This Other areas of activity commenced in the Spring of 2014. The RDA spends time:  Pilot study to understand the effect of  checking those planning applications made shore crabs and rag worms. to the SCDC where these affect the river environs; Preserving wild life environment  supporting river clubs – Sailing, Cruising, The River Deben is an Area of Outstanding Rowing, Sea Scouts and schools; Natural Beauty. Figure 7 shows some  supporting businesses – fishing, oyster and typical sights. mussel beds, boatyards and associated The RDA: businesses.  supports Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB in helping to conserve this special area; Other areas of activity (see fig 8)  encourages walkers to keep to public The River Deben Association is best known footpaths; through its magazine, The Deben, which is  encourages dog owners to restrain their published twice a year - Spring and Autumn. animals in a responsible manner; The Association celebrated its 25th  encourages people to avoid causing noise Anniversary in 2015 with a Parade of Sail on and disturbance to the wild life; 5th July, 2015, starting from all parts of the  encourages people to avoid leaving litter river and finishing with a party at around. Waldringfield Sailing Club accompanied by the Woodbridge Excelsior Band and later by The River Deben is a Site of Special Freddie & Friends New Orleans Jazzmen. Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Wetland Site*, and The River Deben Association welcomes new is accordingly protected under domestic, members, especially those who are of similar European and international legislation. The mind to preserve our beautiful tranquil river. RDA: We also need people, who are prepared to  supports Natural England to maintain the contribute a period of their time, to serve on balance between the river as an invaluable the committee.

Fig 8 a) Fishing at Felixstowe Ferry b) Waldringfield Sailing Club Photography by Robin Whittle except 2c, 4, 6, 8b, 8c by Robert Simper. The River Users’ Code reproduced by permission of the River Deben Association and Lucy Whittle. *The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. 8

perform a programme of music inspired by Woodbridge Shakespeare's plays and poetry. The soprano Udebryge, Wiebryge, Wudebrige, Julie Roberts will accompany the orchestra, Wodebryge..... Woden’s Town Houses, cross-hatched with ancient timbers, which will be conducted by Elgar Howarth. huddled on narrow streets The exciting programme includes: that twist down the hill towards the Deben. Weber Overture to Oberon

The two-toned toot of the train Walton Two Pieces from Henry V that traces the edge of the water, then Sullivan Three Dances from The Tempest veers at a tangent towards London Mendelssohn Nocturne and Scherzo from A leaving the estuary behind. Midsummer Night's Dream Nicolai Overture to The Merry Wives of Low tide; wet mud turned to silver, Windsor scarred by the keels of boats, red Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet Suite No 2 buoys scattered like party balloons.

Oystercatchers on arrowed wings dive onto the mud in mating mode; Then on Tuesday and Wednesday June 28 an egret steps daintily aside. and 29 pupils of Woodbridge School will perform Shakespeare's early comedy Love's Across the low water a smudged silhouette, Labour's Lost . This will take place on the a phantom barge; now you see it, Chapel Lawn if the weather permits. If not it now you don't; its broken hull will transfer to the Seckford Theatre. rests on the riverbed, its bulk Performances will begin at 7.30pm and you submerged by the rising tide. can bring your own groundsheet, cushion or

And as the water rises folding chair - whatever makes you the boats are lifted, shifting comfortable! and tugging on the turning tide; the wind plucks the rigging Farlingaye High School is also playing a key into a psaltery of sound. role in the celebration. On Saturday July 16 the drama department is putting on two The waterwheel on the Tide Mill drama workshops for children. In the turns, rotating the wallower morning the workshop will be for 7 - 11 year and the great spur wheel, olds while in the afternoon it will be for 12 oak and iron driven for centuries year olds. The workshops will be a fun way to by the restless power of the tide. engage with some of the events in A Woden's Town...Woodbridge. Midsummer Night's Dream. They are free of

Sylvia Fairley charge and will culminate in short presentations for the children's parents.

Woodbridge Shakespeare Throughout June and July there will be an 400 Tim Cornford exhibition in Woodbridge Library of artwork 2016 is the 400th anniversary of the death of produced by pupils of Farlingaye High School William Shakespeare. Woodbridge will be and inspired by thoughts and ideas in celebrating this during June and July Shakespeare's plays. through a combination of drama, music and art and involving local groups, especially The celebration is generously supported by young people. Woodbridge's District Councillors, the Deben Decorative and Fine Arts Society and the The celebration kicks off on Sunday June 12 Woodbridge Society. Further details will be at 7.30pm with a concert in St Mary's published nearer the time or can be obtained Church. The Kingfisher Sinfonietta, well from Tim Cornford on 01394 387586 or known for its concerts in the town, will [email protected]

9

P lanning Matters into the general District Council coffers. This Jane Brenner could happen if the current scheme was

scrapped and new applications made. Since the last issue of the newsletter there has been a considerable amount of flood More works along the river protection work carried out along the river Further along the river, improvements to wall by the Environment Agency. The wall Tide Mill Marina are under way and there from Whisstocks past the railway station has could be changes at Robertson’s Boatyard. been raised and at the time of writing the There is approval for an increase in hard- river path is closed from the station to the standing for boat storage and related changes Cruising Club so that the wall can be to the moorings. There was concern about the replaced and firmly secured to prevent it loss of some saltmarsh but the economic from leaning in the future. The final section activity and employment opportunities of a of the work up to Everson’s will not be viable and sustainable business on the finished until the middle of the year. riverside were deemed important.

Sites in town On the land opposite the Old Court House at the end of Chapel Street there is to be a small dwelling on two floors and parking for three cars. This was thought to be a reasonable solution for a neglected site.

Work progresses at Cedar House on three affordable and seven bigger detached houses. As for the SCDC office site opposite, negotiations have reached preferred bidder

Woodbridge Harbour Flood Wall stage, with Active Urban Property Group

chosen. We await their plans. Whisstocks

The work has not begun at Whisstocks because the cost of decontamination has One usually thinks of old buildings being increased. To provide extra income, a demolished but a relatively new 1970s house supplementary planning application has could be knocked down at 5 North Hill and been put in to allow one more apartment to plans for a replacement are being discussed. be sited on the town side of the first floor of The original plans have been scaled down the Chandlery restaurant building. This and discussions now are mainly about means the views over the river from the first finishes. floor restaurant will be maintained but from a smaller area. An amendment to the Proposed development in Martlesham associated Quayside development has also Gladman Developments Ltd have applied for been requested to make two of the flats outline planning permission to build 215 larger with three bedrooms. Your planning houses on a site bordered by Road, group felt this was an acceptable compromise Top Street, the railway line and Duke’s Park. in order to get the work started. Every delay The development would include a shop, play risks failure of the agreed scheme and the area and open spaces. There has been much potential loss of the community benefit that opposition to this as it is environmentally we are all looking forward to as the local sensitive and would breach a barrier community benefit agreements that we are separating Martlesham and Woodbridge. used to will no longer be available for new Your planning group focussed on traffic works. Any monies collected from a problems at the proposed road junction on percentage levy on new developments will go Ipswich Road.

10

New Street School 1890 when the government decreed that

elementary education should be free.

In the first of these three articles Bob Merrett traces the background to the By 1907 the non-conformists had withdrawn creation in 1907 of Woodbridge County their support for the British School on Castle Primary School, popularly referred to as New Street, which was then taken over by the Street School. Then Amanda Davidson Education Committee (the successor to the collects some memories of life at the school, School Board). They considered the premises while at the end Pete Mumford of Suffolk inadequate and replaced it with the County Council responds to the question: Woodbridge County School, off New Street. Have we enough school places given the projected population increase? The most recent change occurred in 2008

when Woodbridge County Primary School The Historical Background made its long-awaited move from the town Bob Merrett centre to a new building off Pytches Road. Around the end of the eighteenth century a number of independent schools started to appear in the town. These charged parents Memories of New Street School the full cost of tuition and accepted boarders. Amanda Davidson Then in 1813 the Suffolk Society for the When I first decided to organise an event to Education of the Poor in the Principles of the celebrate last year’s Heritage Open Days, I Established Church opened a National decided to link together the history of New School in Woodbridge. Six years later Non- Street School with that of the development of Conformists formed the Woodbridge Society the library service in Woodbridge. As the for the Education of Poor Children and they latter moved into the former it seemed a opened a British School. logical progression to ask local people, both ex-pupils and ex-staff, for their memories of The 1833 Abstract of Education Returns the school. Woodbridge Library is often lists in Woodbridge the Grammar School visited by people who went there before it (boys only), a National School, a British moved, trying to remember where their old School, 15 independent schools and six infant classroom was and reminiscing about what schools with a total of 706 boys and 461 girls. their teachers were like. Never did I expect the flurry of memories which arrived! Here are a few of them.

From 1807 the government took faltering

steps to improve elementary education, but A couple of pupils, including Andrew Hilson, denominational rivalry blocked real progress a pupil from 1975-1980, remembered the until 1834. From then, there was an annual headmaster Mr Marshall pouring buckets of government grant for the erection of schools water onto the playground in the winter by both the established and non-conformist when there was snow and frost on the churches. ground. This would freeze overnight and

create a great slide for the pupils in the The Education Act of 1870 established School morning. Great fun though an absolute no-no Boards across the country and enabled them these days!

to lend money to non-denominational schools in areas where the provision of elementary School trips were fondly remembered by both education was inadequate. The Act also gave pupils and teachers. Bob Huddlestone (pupil the School Boards powers to enforce 1955-1960) remembers going on his first attendance up to the age of 13.They were school journey to Ilam Hall Youth Hostel in allowed to cover their running costs by the Peak District and walking through levying a rate and charging fees. Dovedale. One boy (Johnny Markham) got The imbalance between the funding of Board inebriated on dandelion and burdock and had schools and voluntary schools worsened in to be taken aside by Len Hall who was 11

leading the school trip. Bob says dandelion School Places in Woodbridge and burdock is a soft drink, wasn't sold in Pete Mumford Suffolk and he doesn’t believe it contained Responsibility for the provision of school any alcohol! places rests statutorily with the County

Council which regularly monitors changes in Norman Tooks (pupil 1959-60 and 1964-66) population size. We believe that there are also reminisced about the 4th year school trip sufficient places available in the primary to North Wales. Both 4th year classes went schools in and around Woodbridge to meet along with Mr Hall and Miss Taylor. current local need, although we recognise Everyone boarded an Eastern Counties coach that some of the schools are full in some year early on a Monday morning in June, with a groups. packed lunch and bottles of orange to drink.

It took all day to get to the hotel on the sea front at Llandudno. He still remembers most Looking a little further ahead and taking of the places visited. account of developments that currently have planning consent, our forecasts suggest that Swimming was an activity fondly recollected. there are sufficient places. Although we Former teacher, Len Hall, remembered the actively consider options for housing visit to Broomhill Swimming Pool in Ipswich developments that have yet to receive was the highlight of his week in the summer, approval, our place planning can only be especially as everyone sat in the sun in the done on the basis of housing developments café afterwards, not getting back to the that are definitely going ahead.

school until it was time for lunch. He said it was a really most enjoyable morning! In the We are obviously aware of the likelihood of summer the caretaker, Mr Reeve, would significant house building in the Woodbridge assemble the plastic swimming pool in the area in the next five years. Indeed across the girls’ playground. It was a tubular steel whole County we are seeing proposals for construction with a plastic or rubberised important housing developments that, based canvas liner, was about 8 feet wide, 20 feet on current information, could lead to the long and about 2 feet 6 inches deep. It was building of 20 new primary schools and a always freezing cold! number of expansions of existing schools in the next 10-15 years to meet pupil demand. Carol Johnson (née Schofield, pupil 1956-

1962) remembers Miss Crowther’s Old If insufficient places were available within English sheepdog which she used to bring to the existing local schools, both primary and school. During assembly it would be in Miss secondary, the County Council would need to Crowther’s office and when a piece of look carefully at the most appropriate classical music was played, the dog would expansion options. howl along with it!

Brenda Massey (née Chatterley, pupil 1936- Under current legislation local authorities 1945) says she learnt to iron correctly with are no longer allowed to open new just the right amount of starch so that linen maintained schools. If a new school were to serviettes stood upright in a zigzag fashion be built by the County Council it would open without falling over. She says she never as an academy working with one or more understood why! Academy chains.

Most of the male ex-pupils who shared their The Council's overriding concern would memories of the school with us didn’t enjoy clearly be to ensure that the needs of families their time there but the female ex-pupils did. in any given area were met in the best I wonder if it’s the same today?

A book of memories is available at Woodbridge Library possible way.

12

T he Drums of the Fore and Kipling’s story was published in 1888, two years before the 8th Earl of Albemarle was Aft Bob Merrett leading five companies of the City Imperial A Rudyard Kipling short story The Drums of Volunteers into action during the Boer War. the Fore and Aft* provided the inspiration He returned home in October 1900 and he for the statue. Set during the Afghan war of had his statue of The Drums of the Fore and 1878-1880, the story is about the events that Aft cast in bronze during the following year. resulted in a light infantry regiment called The statue was clearly inspired by Kipling’s the Fore and Fit being given the derogatory story and probably by the Earl’s experiences name The Fore and Aft. during the Boer War. Whatever the motivation for producing the statue it Of the 960 men in the regiment fewer than remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices ten had seen a shot fired in anger but, after made by many in defending the borders of four years of training, they were all keen the far-flung empire. Drummer boys feature when they were called to join a brigade in some early twentieth century memorials fighting on the Afghan frontier. The story and in some they are in prominent positions. focuses on the actions of Jakin and ‘Piggy’ Lew, two 14-year-old drummer boys in the When Walter, the 9th Earl, and his wife regimental band. They are constantly in moved from Quidenham Hall, Norfolk, to trouble but they manage to persuade the Beacon Hill House, Martlesham in the 1960’s Colonel to allow them to be members of the the statue came with them. When the Earl band accompanying the regiment. died in 1979, Diana, the Dowager Countess moved to Leeks Hill, Melton. Within a year On the long march to the front line the men the statue was placed in its present position have difficulty adjusting to the climate and in memory of her husband. The choice of the rigours of campaign life. When they location may have been influenced by the fact finally face the enemy the Fore and Fit take that Lady Elizabeth Matheson, sister of the centre position between a regiment of ninth Earl, was then living at Cedar House Highlanders and one of Ghurkhas. When almost directly opposite where the statue was the regiments move forward, the placed. inexperience of the men of the Fore and Fit *See Kipling’s collection The Man Who Would be King published by Penguin Classics. causes them to delay firing and this allows the enemy to close with them in hand-to- hand combat. The ferocity of the fighting spreads panic and most of the regiment retreat in disarray. Jakin and Lew are unable to keep up with the retreating troops so they take cover behind some rocks. There they fortify themselves with rum they discover in a cast-off water bottle until Jakin has the idea to “Tip our bloomin’ cowards yonder the word to come back. … He slipped the drum-sling over his shoulder, thrust the fife into Lew’s hand, and the two boys march out of the cover of the rocks into the open, making a hideous hash of the first bars of the British Grenadiers.” Both are shot and killed but the regiment is so shamed by its conduct that it rallies and turns the course of the battle. It is, however, subsequently shunned by the brigade for its earlier action.

13

E conomic Development in Woo dbridge Tim Cornford interviews Laura Hack

The work of the Economic Services team of which Economic Development is part is driven by the area's economic plan which in turn is driven by the East Suffolk Growth Plan. An important theme in these plans is regeneration for community benefit. An example of how the EDOs can influence is their involvement in the recent work to strengthen the flood defences. They responded to concerns from businesses affected by the proposed river wall closure and talked to local councillors and the Environment Agency and a lower impact solution was agreed.

So what is 'the office view' of the state of Woodbridge's economy? "Woodbridge is vibrant," says Laura with unreserved enthusiasm. "We all have to accept that shopping habits and business methods are changing but Woodbridge has a relatively Laura Hack low vacancy rate of shops and business units. Laura Hack is one of three Economic SCDC as a whole has several large Development Officers (EDOs) at Suffolk organisations (such as BT and the Port of Coastal District Council. We met on a crisp, Felixstowe) and many small businesses sunny January morning in what will soon be including sole traders. The area has very the 'old' Council offices - the move to Melton good transport infrastructure and and a new, smaller building is due to happen communications networks - in many ways in October. After nearly ten years working in rather better than farther north in the the voluntary sector, she re-joined SCDC in County." She acknowledges that the area 2013 in a role including responsibility for could do with more medium-sized businesses Woodbridge and the Deben peninsula. but to some extent that is the result of there not being the right sort of accommodation. So what does an EDO do all day? "The core of The presence of 20+ business units on the my job is to work with a range of partners to new Council offices site at Melton will go ensure that the district has a vibrant local some way to rectifying that. economy. I do that by supporting inward investment, evaluating planning applications This raises the question of the 'Suffolk brain and responding to all manner of business drain'. Skills development is another area of enquiries. I support the business community EDO activity. With the recent enlargement by being a reliable source of information of Felixstowe port and with C and about the area and by being able to point offshore wind farms on the horizon together people in the direction of sources of help. For with the accompanying supply chains, it is example, I won't be able to write a marketing vital that employers will be able to source the plan for a company but I will be able to point right level and type of skills locally and not them towards that kind of expertise. Oh, and have to import them all. "I can't tell young we also handle enquiries about filming in the people what GCSEs and A levels to study but area." I can help to make sure that they are aware

14

of what businesses there are in the area, how "We provide support; we are a knowledge much the STEM subjects (science, and information centre; we are enablers for technology, engineering and maths) are in others." demand and how great are the opportunities on the doorstep for the next generation." I couldn't leave without raising the subject of tourism. Numbers don't say it all but they Laura sums up a wide-ranging remit when are an indication of vibrancy. In 2014 she says that the EDOs do all they can to Suffolk Coastal had 5.6 million visitors (both encourage investment in enterprise. In part day-trippers and longer-stay). They spent a this means identifying land and space that total of £28 million on visitor attractions. could be used for business purposes; in part Both numbers were up on 2013 which was it is being a source of advice and information better than 2012. The area is increasingly for businesses; in part it is working closely popular as a tourist destination. The recent with the existing business community (she Heritage Lottery grants to Sutton Hoo and works a lot with Choose Woodbridge) to Bawdsey Radar will only further that identify opportunities, albeit within growth. constraints such as the planning framework.

Woodbridge Society Summer Visits 2016 Carol Wiseman

St Peter’s Hall and Brewery St Peter’s, South will be provided with personal protection equipment Elmham, Nr , Suffolk NR35 1NQ for the tour of the plant but please ensure you wear Dating from 1280, St Peter’s Hall nestles in unspoilt sturdy and sensible shoes, and clothing so that your Suffolk countryside adjacent to the famous St Peter’s legs and arms are covered. Brewery. It is an unique, romantic and historic half- moated former manor farmhouse with a monastic The Swan, High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk C010 9QA extension built in 1539 with salvage from nearby Lavenham, widely regarded as being one of the finest Flixton Priory. Adjacent St Peter’s Brewery is surviving examples of a medieval town, was founded included in the tour. Refreshments on arrival and on the cloth trade and brought wealth to its full afternoon tea are included. population. The Swan played an important role in Lavenham’s history from medieval times until the SITA UK/SUEZ present day. During World War II British and If you would like to see what happens to your rubbish American airmen were stationed in the town and that can not be recycled then a visit to the incinerator their signatures and memorabilia are on show in the run by SITA UK/SUEZ Great Blakenham is a must. hotel’s Airman Bar. The tour includes tea and cakes. The building was designed by Grimshaw, the world renowned architects of the Eden Project in Cornwall Tour of Valley Farmby Mr Kemball and the Visitor Centre was designed by DesignMap, Those of you who were on the tour of Bentwaters the company which helped turn the Cutty Sark into a given by Bill Kemball last year will know that we top visitor attraction. I am sure you will find the 2 finished the tour at his farm and had a look at the hour tour fascinating but please be aware that over huge variety of vintage vehicles he owned. the course of the tour there are about 300 steps and you will climb 23 levels but please don’t be too This year Bill will be giving us a tour around his farm daunted as I have already been on the tour and it in a bus and hopefully we will have another chance to certainly was nowhere near as bad as it sounds. You look at some of the vintage vehicles.

15

The Woodbridge Society The Society brings together those interested in the well-being of Woodbridge and the preservation of its historic character, for this and future generations. The Society

 Monitors planning applications.  Promotes high standards of planning and architecture, making expert representations to the local authorities to this end.  Stimulates interest in the history and traditions of the town, through articles in its newsletter, its winter lectures and its summer visits programme.

Our winter lectures are, like the newsletter, free to members, and are presented at the Abbey School. In the summer, the Society arranges visits to local places of interest, some not normally open to the pub- lic The Woodbridge Society is a registered charity and is able to claim gift aid in on donations

Officers and Committee President Tony Hubbard MBE The Town House, Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP, 386869 Chairman Alan Vaughan, 2 Godfreys Wood, Melton, IP12 1QY, 386764 Vice Chairman Vacant Secretary Vacant Treasurer Bob Merrett, 18 Bury Hill, Melton, IP12 1LF, 385572 Planning Jane Brenner 8 Central Maltings, Crown Place, Woodbridge IP12 IBS, 385799 Membership Gillian Barella 4 Chapel Street, Woodbridge IP12 4NF, 380418 Newsletter Editor Tim Cornford Box House, 49 Theatre Street, Woodbridge, IP12 4NE, 387586 Summer Visits Carol Wiseman 5 Catherine Road, Woodbridge IP12 4JP, 383666 Committee Neil Montgomery Rooftops, 108A Castle Street, Woodbridge IP12 IHL, 387827 Julian Royle Norfolk House, 71 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AH, 384858

New members - If you wish to join the Woodbridge Society please complete this form.

I/We wish to join The Woodbridge Society 1 enclose £8 for single membership/ £14 for two people at the same address.

Name 1 ...... Name 2 ......

Address ...... Post Code ......

Telephone...... email ......

Please make cheques payable to The Woodbridge Society, and post to Membership Secretary, 4 Chapel Street Woodbridge IP12 4NF

I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year.

Gift Aid Declaration I am a UK tax payer and want the Woodbridge Society (registered charity number 1117073) to treat this donation as a Gift Aid Donation..

Signature Date

Published by The Woodbridge Society and printed by Bettaprint Woodbridge Limited 1 Carlow Mews, Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1EA Copyright The Woodbridge Society 2016 Contributors reserve their individual copyrights

16